HAMPSHIRE County Council is exploring ways the government might allow pensioners to pay a discounted council tax increase next year.
Council leader Ken Thornber has written to the Deputy Prime Minister in a bid to help the countyÕs elderly, who get inflation only increases in their pension.
The impact of this option would be that some 160,000 households with pensioners could benefit, including those who presently receive single persons discounts or other government benefits that might be available to them.
Mr Thornber said: ÒIn the past few years, the levels of council tax increases in England have exceeded inflation by three to four times to meet government spending plans. IÕm, therefore, exploring options to persuade the government to reduce the impact on pensioners.
ÒLast year, South East counties were hit by the redistribution of grant to urban councils in the North and Midlands.
ÒThe cost of living for pensioners in the South East is higher than in the North. This year and in previous years I have taken away from Hampshire pensioners every penny of their pension increase the Chancellor has given them by setting inflation busting council tax rises.
ÒThis situation is unsustainable, which is why IÕm calling on government to intervene to cushion the blow of council tax bills for the most vulnerable in our communities. The responsibility for ensuring pensioners have the means to pay council tax rises above the rate of inflation rests with the government.Ó